Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons by glucose

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Nov;22(11):443-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2011.07.001. Epub 2011 Aug 18.

Abstract

Reproduction is influenced by energy balance, but the physiological pathways mediating their relationship have not been fully elucidated. As the central regulators of fertility, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons integrate numerous physiological signals, including metabolic cues. Circulating glucose levels regulate GnRH release and might in part mediate the effects of negative energy balance on fertility. Existing evidence suggests that neural pathways originating in the hindbrain, as well as in the hypothalamic feeding nuclei, transmit information concerning glucose availability to GnRH neurons. Here we review recent evidence suggesting that GnRH neurons might directly sense changes in glucose availability by a mechanism involving AMP-activated protein kinase. These findings expand our understanding of how metabolic signaling in the brain regulates reproduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glucose / chemistry
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Glucose / physiology*
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / biosynthesis*
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Neural Pathways / metabolism
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / physiology

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Glucose